Thu, Sep 9th, 2021 - 3:00pm
March 21, 2022 - 10:17am | By Kyle Cornell
(West Fargo, ND) -- A prominent West Fargo coach and board member is putting his hat in the ring for the North Dakota State Legislature.
West Fargo Public School board president and longtime high school sports coach Jim Jonas Monday announced his campaign for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 13.
“Whether on the sideline or in the Boardroom, I’ve seen the success that hard work and resourcefulness brings to our community,” said Jonas. “North Dakota needs more leaders in Bismarck who believe in the potential of our communities and take a no-nonsense approach to government.”
Guiding players to 40 state or conference championships while at West Fargo High School, Jonas says he understands the recipe of success lies in dedication, teamwork, and community support. With 30 years of teaching experience, Jonus now serves as president of the state’s fastest growing school district, managing record enrollments while ensuring a quality education for students.
“As school board president, it’s clear our community loves their schools. While on the board we’ve been recognized as a high performing school district through our national accreditation process, all while keeping property taxes lower than our neighboring district,” said Jonas. “I love competition and believe West Fargo can be the best. With smart government, we can provide an excellent educational experience to young people at a value for taxpayers.”
As school board president, Jonas helped guide the district’s COVID-19 response, advocating for mitigation strategies that protect staff and students while respecting parental and students rights. He opposed mask mandates for the current school year.
During the school year Jonas can often be found at Packer sporting events, cheering on the next generation of West Fargo’s leaders. He is also involved elsewhere in the community and serves on a variety of boards, ranging from the West Fargo Exchange Club to the West Fargo Educational Foundation.
Jonas will be running as a Republican, and will challenge incumbent Kim Koppelman for the seat that he has held for roughly two decades.
Jim and his wife, Denise, were married on the 50 yard line at West Fargo High School’s Essentia Health Stadium in 2010. Denise works as the Career and Technical Education Director for the Cass County CTE Center.
